Arabella News | What’s Trending in Gen Z Athletic Wear for SS2028? Weekly Briefings in Nov 24th-Nov 30th

12.1-activewear-trends

What’s Trending in Gen Z Athletic Wear for SS2028? Weekly Briefings in Nov 24th-Nov 30th

Along with the heatwave of Black Friday, Arabella also got ready for our journey to ISPO Munich. The exhibition can demonstrate the trends that we kept following. It seems they went well based on the performance of our Day 1.

Before the ISPO week, Arabella received another client visit, too. We met our old friends and discussed more trending fabrics, stitches, printings and new products they would like to develop.

Active wear trend reports and news can empower and reflect more accurately on the athletic clothing market. It is time for us to focus on trends based on the news we capture now. We will start our news today from the previous missing weeks so that we can weave a web of this blueprint for you.

Markets

(Nov 17^th)

McKinsey just released their latest consumer analysis report of global fashion industry. The report indicates and anticipates that the sector might return to a single-digit growth in 2026. However, structural shifts are accelerating under the influence of AI’s revolution and consumers’consciousness of sustainability. AI is no longer just a tool but a new consuming gateway, while efficiency and sustainability are gradually becoming core competitiveness. The report also lists these following points that worth focusing on:

1. Global Markets Reshaping

US:

Affected by macroeconomic volatility, tariff policies, and rising prices, consumers in US have become increasingly sensitive to price increases, especially in the apparel sector. However, midmarket is emerging in US.

Europe:

Consumers in Europe are expected to remain cautious and to trade down across various categories of consumer goods. The luxury market still shows some growth potential, especially as brands stimulate demand through creative innovation and enhanced services.

China:

GDP growth is expected to slow, and the increase in disposable income will likely fall below the levels seen in 2024 and 2025. However, the Chinese fashion market still has bright spots, particularly in the sportswear segment.

fashion-trends-2026

2. Emerging Segments: Personal health, Wellness and Second-hand Market

Consumer is pursuing value and enrichment, resulting the rising market of personal well-being, health and second-hand products. The transition will lead brands to explore relevant fields. For example, Lululemon are building a circular consumption loop through initiatives like the “Like New” sector, which recycles old clothes and offers store credits in return.

fashion-trends-2026-2

(Nov 22^nd)

The latest article released on FashionUnited has given a trend report of performance wear design in 2028 for Gen Z. The article indicates that there are 3 directions as below might lead the fashion trends. Under the background of people’s pursuits of move freely, think clearly and live without restrictions.

1. Lightness

Pursuing physical freedom from burden, using ultra-light, breathable materials that prioritize air flow over warmth. Layered designs aim to reduce both physical and mental strain.

2.Tranquil Palette

Colors strike a balance between tranquility and vitality, using tones that are both deep and light. They are soft and versatile, seamlessly integrating into modern life.

3. Hybrid Wearing

The boundaries between clothing categories continue to blur. Through modular structures and innovative materials, single garments achieve multi-functionality and adaptability across different environments and seasons.

Brands

(Nov 19^th)

Decathlon’s separated professional running brand KIPRUN has partnered with UK-based material technology company RHEON LABS to create the Run Compress 900 RHEON running tights. By using their innovative strain-rate-sensitive RHEON™ material, which originally developed for US NASA project, it can reduce the turbulence of muscles and lower energy loss of athletes.

(Nov 19^th)

Canadian activewear brand Lululemon has debut new athletic wear for Team Canada ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics and Paralympics. The collection includes uniforms for the opening and closing ceremonies, medal award presentations, media appearances, and daily life in the athlete village. By using thermal and breathable fabrics like merino wool, alpaca-blend and Translucent Glyde, a translucent and water-repellent mesh layer, this collection can ensure the versatility in different activities for athletes.

Technology

(Nov 21^st)

US pioneer company Microban has launched a new odor control technology, EcoFresh, which can be applied to various fabrics during the manufacturing process. It forms a coat to capture body and environmental odors for textiles and releases them during laundry to keep textile freshness, which adapts to active wear and outdoor wear.

ecofresh

What’s Trending in Latest Activewear Brand Launches?

According to the previous reports and news we have read, ultralight, wool-blend and striped printings will gradually manifest in activewear designs. And there they are, appeared in this week’s winter sports wear. Thermal regulation has become one of crucial functions in these collections. Undoubtedly, wool is the top-choice for them.

If you are looking for wool-blend sportswear, here is our latest product for your inspirations:

WLS004 Custom Women’s Merino Wool Long Sleeve Fitness Top

Lululemon

Theme: Essential Wear/Winter Sports Wear

Color: Lilac

Fabrics: Recycled-polyester Blend/Cotton-modal Blend/Merino Wool

Product Types: Hoodies, Sweatpants, Quarter-zip Pullovers

*Craftsmanship & Design Details: Waffle-knitted, Drapey Fit

lululemon-winter-sportswear